| 20 July 2022 VODAFONE MAKES SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO ITS GLOBAL INTERNET NETWORK TO BOOST CAPACITY AND SECURITY AT SCALE Vodafone today successfully completed an advanced software upgrade across its entire global transport network, which serves hundreds of millions of users and third-party internet and content providers in 28 countries across four continents. The software enhancement is the foundation on which Vodafone and its wholesale and enterprise customers can progressively add capacity faster and more cost-effectively to meet future demand, as well as introduce new services and boost security at scale. As part of its digital evolution, Vodafone directly applied Software Defined Networking (SDN) to the multi-vendor parts of the global network that orchestrates all mobile and fixed data and voice traffic. Specifically, Vodafone engineers applied the software to both the Optical Network, which converts data into light for transmission at very high speeds, and the Internet Protocol (IP) Network that securely allows computers and devices to connect to the Internet. The new technology will lead to a network that is fully automated and programmable and behaves more like a super-computer. Changes to more than 620 multi-vendor network platforms can be achieved using software-driven commands, virtually stored in Vodafone’s secure private cloud. Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer of Vodafone, said: “This software upgrade gives us a single view on the section of the transport network connecting people and machines globally. It will allow us to provide even faster and more secure connectivity across Europe and to other regions. We can continually and automatically adapt to dynamic peaks in traffic worldwide, whether they are due to people returning to the office or live streaming major sports events.” With data traffic over Vodafone’s fixed and mobile networks continuing to grow by more than 15% per year, Vodafone can now more easily meet demand. And through the introduction of advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, the company will in the future be able to anticipate precisely where it is needed. Vodafone’s global transport network is the engine of the company’s network operations. It comprises optical fibre cables capable of carrying and directing up to 250 terabytes of data traffic at any one time. It provides the vital links connecting consumers, businesses, and strategic partners via tens of thousands of mobile base stations across Europe and Africa and more than 270 third party and Vodafone-owned data centres. In addition, Vodafone will better serve the needs of global customers from a single source and a universal contract without them having to deal with a patchwork of separate in-country operators’ networks. Common transport network APIs can also be made available to Vodafone’s global customers and strategic partners so they can improve the quality and the performance of their own streaming, internet, and data services for end users. |
| Instrumental in implementing this major software upgrade |
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| Left: Alessandra Pavese, Head of Cloud and Connectivity Evolution and Automation Right: Eva Rossi, Head of Transport Product |
| Technical Note to Editors Vodafone network engineers activated a SDN stack on both the Internet Protocol (IP) and Optical Global Internet network by deploying the IP and Optical area controllers and the Hierarchical Controller. This enables end-to-end multilayer automation and programmability, removing the complexity for third party services interacting with the network. The deployed solution is based on a multi-vendor and multi-layer hierarchical architecture delivered through the implementation of Juniper Networks Paragon Pathfinder IP and MPLS SDN Controller, Ciena Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) Optical SDN Controller and Cisco Crosswork Hierarchical Controller (formerly Sedona Netfusion). Communication between these different vendor components is facilitated through open and standard industry protocols and APIs, creating a single, end-to-end SDN management layer. The virtual SDN applications are deployed within Vodafone’s private cloud and are accessible via its geographically dispersed data centre infrastructure. This ensures high availability of digital connectivity with enhanced ‘geo-redundancy’ capability. – ends – For further information: Vodafone Group Media Relations GroupMedia@vodafone.com About Vodafone Unique in its scale as the largest pan-European and African technology communications company, Vodafone transforms the way we live and work through its innovation, technology, connectivity, platforms, products and services. Vodafone operates mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries, and partners with mobile networks in 48 more. As of 31 March 2022, we had over 300m mobile customers, more than 28m fixed broadband customers and 22m TV customers. Vodafone is a world leader in the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting more than 150m devices and platforms through innovation that aligns with the aspirations of society for cleaner and safer cities, better transport and improved agriculture. Vodafone’s digital leadership is also changing how governments deliver healthcare and education, and how businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), serve customers. We have revolutionised fintech in Africa through M-Pesa, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2022. It is the region’s largest fintech platform, providing access to financial services for more than 52m people in a secure, affordable and convenient way. Our purpose is to connect for a better future, enabling an inclusive and sustainable digital society. We are taking significant steps to reduce our impact on our planet by becoming net zero by 2040, purchasing 100% of our electricity from renewable sources in Europe and across our entire operations by 2025, and reusing, reselling or recycling 100% of our redundant network equipment. Vodafone proactively works to expand access to connectivity for rural communities, students and jobseekers. For more than 30 years, Vodafone’s Foundation has supported communities in Europe and Africa in the areas of health, education, and equality. We support diversity and inclusion through our maternity and parental leave policies, empowering women through connectivity and improving access to education and digital skills for women, girls, and society at large. We are respectful of all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, belief, culture or religion. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com, follow us on Twitter at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone. |
VODAFONE MAKES SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO ITS GLOBAL INTERNET NETWORK TO BOOST CAPACITY AND SECURITY AT SCALE
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